Assembling A Humanist “Resistance” Movement—Brick by Brick

This speaker participated in our 2018 Conference. Learn more about our 2023 conference speakers here.

Thursday, May 17 | 3:00pm-4:00pm

As the billionaires in the current Federal administration dismantle decades of progressive institutions, it certainly seems that the wealthy now rule the U.S. and that they are crafting a scary future for the rest of us.  We, the 99%, do not have to accept this fate passively, however.  Good ideas on how to restore fairness and function to our democracy and economy abound among the cogent academics and commentators today.  The problem is that no one is effectively organizing to put them in place.  Given that humanists commit themselves to both social justice and rational policy making, there has never been a greater need us to get involved with the current national chaos and contribute some social and political leadership.

This presentation will provide a quick survey of the many “Lego” bricks available for any AHA chapter wishing to establish a forceful political action committee.  We will review the practical national reform ideas that local chapters can focus upon, then list the many ways your chapter can expand its outreach, partner with other national groups, and begin shaping public opinion.  The goal of building a new national consensus for progressive legislation and institutions has historical precedent, latent public support, and is certainly an arena where our membership can make a big contribution.  We’ll cover the following topics:

• 10 systemic changes to advocate that will make politics less rotten
• Electronic platforms that allow you to easily organize locally and coordinate nationally
• A half-dozen national movements that your chapter can support
• How to educate and persuade swing voters through “Democracy Schools” in your local area
• Building a grassroots political movement of American Humanists chapters with only a few, easy steps